UNIVERSITY
OF CINCINNATI
Department
of Student Organizations & Activities
221
Tangeman University Center 556‑6115
Parliamentary Procedure
Why
Parliamentary Procedure
Parliamentary Procedure can sometimes appear to be an
intimidating, threatening, and confusing method that has been sent here to make
our lives complicated and overworked. However, the truth of the matter is that Parliamentary
Procedure specifies a set of rules for the easy
and orderly conduct of meetings. It allows every person within the group to
be heard which helps members to make decisions without confusion or being
confused. In short, this time tested method of conducting business is not scary
and complicated but an easy way to insure democratic
rule, protection of rights, flexibility, and a fair hearing for everyone.
Developing
an Agenda or Order of Business
It is customary for every group to adopt a standard
order of business for meetings. When no rule has been adopted, the following is
the order.
1.
Call to Order
2.
Reading and approval of the minutes
3.
Reports from officers and standing committees
4.
Reports from special committees
5.
Unfinished Business
6.
New Business
7.
Program
8.
Adjournment
Motions
The proper way for an individual to propose that a
group take a certain action is by "making a motion." The following is
the process for handling a motion.
1.
A member rises and addresses the presiding officer for recognition.
2.
The member is recognized.
3.
The member proposes a motion.
4.
Another member must second a motion.
5.
The presiding officer states the motion to the assembly.
6.
The assembly can now discuss or debate the motion. Only one person at a time may
speak. They must first be
recognized by the presiding officer. Preference should be given to:
A. The person who proposed the motion
B. A member who has not spoken yet to the motion
C. A member who seldom speaks to one who frequently addresses the
assembly
D. The presiding officer should try to alternate between those favoring
and those opposing the motion.
Discussion must be confined to the question that is
"before the house."
7. The presiding officer takes the vote on the
motion. Voting can be done by voice, show of hands, or balloting.
8. The presiding officer announces the result of the
vote.
9. The floor is now open and another motion can be
proposed.
Four
General Types of Motions
I.
Main Motions introduce subjects to the assembly for its
consideration.
· They cannot be made when another motion is before the assembly (being considered by the assembly).
·
They can
be postponed or affected by privileged, subsidiary, and incidental motions.
·
Eg. “
I move that we purchase. . . "
2. Subsidiary Motions change
or affect how the main motion is handled.
·
They are
voted on before the main motion.
·
Eg.
"I move the question before the
assembly be amended by striking out. .
3. Privileged Motions are
about special or important matters not related to pending business.
·
They are
extremely urgent motions.
·
Eg.
"I move we adjourn."
4. Incidental Motions are
questions of procedure that arise out of other motions.
·
They must
be considered before the other motions.
·
Eg.
"/ move to suspend the rules for the
purpose of ...
Amending
a Motion
The
purpose of the “motion to amend" is to modify a motion which has already
been presented in such a manner that it will be more satisfactory to the
members.
Methods of amending:
1.
By addition or insertion ‑‑ to add something to the motion
which it did not contain.
2.
By elimination or by striking out ‑‑ to subtract or eliminate
something from a motion that was originally part of it.
3.
By substitution ‑‑ this method is a combination of the first
two methods, since in amending by substitution
something is stricken and something is inserted in its place. The substitution
portion may consist of a word, a phrase, a clause, or an entirely new motion.
An
important principle to understand in connection with any form of the motion to
amend is that an amendment "May be hostile, but it must be germane."
By hostile is meant opposed to the spirit and aim of the motion to which it is
applied. By germane is meant having direct bearing upon the subject of the
motion, that is relevant or relating to it.
An amendment may be opposed to actual intent of the original motion and,
in fact nullify it, but if it relates to the same subject matter, it is germane.
To Do This: | You Say This | May you interrupt the speaker? | Do you need a second? | Is it debatable? | Can it be amended? | What vote is needed? | Can it be reconsidered? |
Adjourn meeting | "I move that we adjourn.." | NO | YES | NO | NO | MAJORITY | NO |
Call an intermission | "I move that we recess for.." | NO | YES | NO | YES | MAJORITY | NO |
Complain about heat, etc. | "I rise to a question of privilege" | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO VOTE | NO |
Temporarily suspend consideration of an issue | "I move to table the motion.." | NO | YES | NO | NO | MAJORITY | NO |
End debate & amendments | "I move the previous question.." | NO | YES | NO | NO | 2/3 | NO |
Postpone discussion for a certain amount of time | "I move to postpone the discussion until.." | NO | YES | YES | YES | MAJORITY | YES |
Give closer study of something | "I move to refer the matter to committee.." | NO | YES | YES | YES | MAJORITY | YES |
Amend a motion | "I move to amend the motion by.." | NO | YES | YES | YES | MAJORITY | YES |
Introduce Business | "I move that.." | NO | YES | YES | YES | MAJORITY | YES |
Protest Breach of Rules | "I rise to a point of order.." | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO VOTE | NO |
Request Information | "Point of information.." | YES | NO | NO | NO | NO VOTE | NO |
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